Please note: Due to high demand our next new patient appointment is in 4 months. So we can streamline your care and ensure that urgent and emergency conditions (including biopsy proven skin cancers) are seen in a timely manner we ask that all patients provide a referral from their general practitioner prior to seeking an appointment date. Once we have received your referral we will contact you to schedule an appointment. Referrals can be submitted by secure messaging (Argus, HealthLink, MedicalObjects), email, mail or fax.

We will close for the holiday season at 5pm on Monday 17 December 2018; we will resume consulting and operating on Monday 14 January 2019.

Preauricular skin tag / accessory tragus

Written by Dr Jill Tomlinson on 01 May 2016.

A preauricular skin tag, also called an accessory tragus, is a common “extra” part to the ear that is present at birth and, if left alone, continues to grow as a child grows. Embryologically speaking ears are extremely complex things, and it’s not uncommon that occasionally there are small extra nubbins of tissue that develop as the ears form. These small nubbins contain skin, fat and cartilage.

How is the extra tissue removed?

Removal of the extra tissue can be performed easily under local anaesthetic as a rooms procedure when a child is in the first months of life.

What does the procedure involve?

We arrange a time for you and your child to attend the rooms for the procedure. An hour prior to your arrival time you apply local anaesthetic cream to the area and a clear adhesive covering. This local anaesthetic numbs the skin.

On your arrival at our rooms we encourage you to feed your baby as in our experience this increases the likelihood that they will sleep through the procedure.

During the procedure your baby is placed on his or her side in a comfortable foam pillow that is specifically designed to securely support your baby. We remove the clear adhesive covering and wipe away the local anaesthetic cream. A small amount of local anaesthetic is injected at the base of the skin tag with a tiny needle, ensuring that your baby will feel no discomfort from the procedure.

Dr Tomlinson and a registered nurse are with your baby at all times during the procedure. You are welcome to stay for the procedure, and we find that most parents prefer this, but you are also welcome to wait in another room or to step outside briefly for fresh air.

The extra tissue is surgically removed and the area is stitched with tiny absorbable sutures – usually two are used. We cover these stitches with a small steristrip and apply surgical glue over the top so that you do not have to do anything special with the dressings. Your baby can be bathed as normal after the procedure, and the dressings and stitches will lift off when they are ready.

We always send the tissue for pathology testing.

What follow up is required?

We routinely see you and your baby at 1 and 8 weeks after the procedure to check that everything is progressing satisfactorily. If these visits are difficult for you to attend and you prefer to send us a photo and email update we can offer feedback by this method if all is progressing as planned. If things are not progressing as planned or you have any concerns it is our strong preference that we see you to assess what is happening and provide you with advice and assistance.

What is the best age for treatment?

We prefer to schedule the procedure prior to three months of age - the earlier the better. After three months of age the procedure is more difficult because your baby is more aware of its surroundings. Older babies are less likely to sleep through the procedure and more likely to move their heads or arms during the procedure. They are more likely to need to be physically restrained as the procedure is performed, which can be more distressing for the infant and for its parents.

Older babies cannot be relied upon to “hold still” for a rooms procedure so we recommend that they have a general anaesthetic and that this be performed when they are at least two years of age. For this reason we advocate early treatment as it is simpler and easier for all involved, with fewer risks.

Are there any associated long term problems?

No, there are no long term problems associated with this condition or with surgical removal of the tissue.

How do I arrange a consultation with Dr Tomlinson?

Phone (03) 9427 9596 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange an appointment to see Dr Tomlinson for treatment.

Website Disclaimer

This website is authored by Dr Jillian Tomlinson, a fully qualified plastic, reconstructive and hand surgeon who practices in Melbourne, Australia. This website aims to inform patients and health professionals about hand surgery, illness prevention and the practice philosophy of Dr Jill Tomlinson. This website's content is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own doctor. The information is not intended to replace the advice of a health professional. This website does not host or receive funding from advertising or from the display of commercial content.